Elderberry Syrup Recipe: Natural Cold & Flu Remedy

Homemade elderberry syrup is a highly effective natural cold and flu remedy! This elderberry syrup recipe will help keep sickness away and boost your immune system for optimal health!

Homemade elderberry syrup is a new addition to my family’s health and wellness routine this year, and I can’t believe it took me so long to discover this magical natural cold and flu remedy! Whenever we feel a cough or cold coming on, we simply take an extra dose of elderberry syrup, and our symptoms quickly disappear!

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

What are the benefits of Elderberry Syrup?

Elderberry syrup has been reported to boost your immune system, treat upper respiratory infections and cold symptoms, and shorten the duration and severity of flu symptoms. Elderberry syrup is high in Vitamin C and A, and it’s packed full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help keep the body in optimal health. There have been numerous medical studies that have concluded that elderberry syrup is one of the most effective natural flu and cold remedies available, and it’s incredibly simple to make it yourself! You can read more about the health benefits of elderberry syrup here.

To Make Elderberry Syrup, you will need:

• Dried Organic Elderberries
• Raw Organic Honey (local honey is best)
• Cinnamon Sticks or Ground Cinnamon
• Whole Cloves
• (Optional) Ginger – many people like to add ginger root or powder to their elderberry syrup, but we omit it due to sensitivity.
• Cheesecloth or Fine Mesh Strainer

To make the elderberry syrup, combine 4 cups of water with 2 cups of dried organic elderberries,  2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 tsp. ground cinnamon), and 10 whole cloves. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Elderberries contain trace amounts of a cyanide-like chemical, and you MUST cook them for at least 30 minutes to nullify the chemical or else you may end up with a bad stomach ache! 

After simmering for at least 30 minutes, remove from heat, mash the berries, and allow to cool for 30-40 minutes. Use cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve to strain the berries, reserving the liquid. Measure the amount of liquid and add an equal amount of raw honey to the liquid. Stir well to combine.

Bottle the elderberry syrup in a sterilized jar and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This elderberry syrup is nothing short of magic! Every time any one of us feels a cold or a cough coming on, we just take an extra dose or two of elderberry syrup, and it’s gone the very next day!

Recommended Dosage: 

• Note: Elderberry syrup is not recommended for children under age 2 due to the honey.
• Children 2 and older: 1/2 – 1 tsp. daily for immune boosting; up to three times daily when sick.
• Adults – 1 Tbsp. daily for immune boosting; up to three times daily when sick.

Elderberry Syrup

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Ingredients

• 4 cups Water
• 2 cups Dried Organic Elderberries
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks or 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 10 Whole Cloves
• 1 cup Raw Organic Honey, approx. amount

Instructions

1. Place water, berries, cinnamon, and cloves in a pot. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and continue to simmer for 30-40 minutes. 

2. Remove from heat, mash berries, and allow to cool 30-40 minutes. 

3. Strain berries using cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve. Reserve liquid. 

4. Measure remaining liquid and add an equal amount of raw organic honey. Mix well to combine. 

5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

Recipe Notes

Recommended Dosage: 

• Note: Elderberry syrup is not recommended for children under age 2 due to the honey.
• Children 2 and older: 1/2 - 1 tsp. daily for immune boosting; up to three times daily when sick. 
• Adults - 1 Tbsp. daily for immune boosting; up to three times daily when sick. 

This recipe was adapted from one by my friend Kim at Revived Nutrition – if you’re looking for a nutritionist or if you’re interested in learning more about natural medicine, I highly recommend checking out her Facebook group!

We’ve been making a batch of elderberry syrup every couple of weeks, and it has been absolutely key in keeping my family healthy during this wicked cold and flu season. Once you see how amazing this elderberry syrup recipe is (and how well it works at keeping your family healthy and cold/flu-free!), I’m sure you’ll be making it all the time, too!

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 Coldbuster Immune Boosting Smoothie

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